END OF THE HOLIDAYS.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 2, 3 January 1924, Page 6

END OF THE HOLIDAYS.

BUSINESS RESUMES TO-DAY. HAPPY CARNIVAL "WEEK. THE WEATHER FINE. The exceedingly bright and sunny •weather conditions that prevailed yesterday made the last day of the holidays happy for all, and, although the majority of Aiicklanders returned to work this morning, a large number are still able to enjoy the warm sunshine and cool breeze. Many thousands of spectators were attracted to the Ellerslie Racecourse, where the Auckland Racing Club held the final day's racing. The Plunket Shield cricket match between Auckland and Otago was continued at Eden Park yesterday, in the presence of a moderate attendance. Conditions on the water were of the most pleasant, the traffic on the ferry boats being equally as great as "was the case on New Year's Day. The strong sun and cooling breeze, plus the enticing sea, attracted large crowds to Takapuna, Milford, and Cheltenham beaches, while St. Helicr's Bay and Kohimarama were equally attractive. At Cheltenham Beach conditions were so congested that sun bathers found it difficult to find room to "stretch a towel." The coastal and excursion steamers and motor boats will be fully engaged this morning bringing campers home from the gulf resorts, while yachtsmen and launch parties will also return to the Queen City.

Traffic on the railways was comparatively heavy yesterday, large number of country people journeying to the city to attend the race meeting. In the evening all outward trains carried full complements of holiday visitors returning to their homes. The first Main Trunk train for Wellington was dispatched from' Auckland at 1 p.m., with 240 passengers, while the regular 7.10 p.m. express, and the additional 7.45 p.m. express carried between them over 800 persons. The three expresses and the j special train for Palmerston North, which left at 8.40 p.m., carried about 1300 passengers. Generally speaking- the weather was good for the carnival season, with rain squalls and ominous clouds on Friday, and a few showers on Tuesday last. The city assumed something of its usual business activity to-day, with the opening of the retail shops. The business houses, banks, and commercial institutions also embarked upon the business of the New Year, while a few offices, including those of the legal fraternity, will not reopen until next week.